How do I survive 125 night sessions? This is how…..

Below is a comprehensive six part survival guide that was included in my series called No Fixed Abode found in Carpworld magazine. 

It was decided that it would be a great idea for me to start giving some of my readers a few of my survival tips that I use to enable me to fish for such long and extreme sessions. Some of you reading this may have already fished for several weeks, some of you may never want to! But for those of you who may one day want to take a trip into the unknown, here are a few pointers to help you get through the weeks in one piece, staying happy and healthy, and not struggling to cope as your equipment lets you down after just a short period of time. I am compiling this as a series to run alongside my adventure stories, and each month I will be looking at a different topic, I think may be useful.

As you all know, I sometimes fish incredibly long sessions. I would estimate an average session for me is about one month. There are two reasons I do this. Firstly, I have a greater chance of catching my target if I stay long enough. Secondly, it is actually cheaper for me to stay at one venue for a longer time, as then I am not travelling around too much, and once I am set up, all I need do is buy my fortnightly provisions. That’s it. I try and spend a small, set amount each month, which covers fuel, food, including dogs, phone credit and the relevant fishing permits. Because I am slowly travelling around Europe, I also want to enjoy the experience as well as catching some big carp. Therefore my criteria, is slightly different to the average angler, as I put comfort first, for myself and my dogs. It is not possible for me to fish lightly, as my dogs are with me the whole time. We are essentially living wherever I fish, and this is how I do it!!

Part One: Staying Clean!!

Now I am not trying to teach anyone how to wash, or trying to advise on personal hygiene either; but when I fish for a very long time, I have found that there is nothing better than taking a shower, for staying and feeling clean. I am not talking about a plush shower block either. I am talking about making one yourself or using a solar shower. These are available in all good camping shops and only cost a fiver. In order to use your solar shower, you firstly need to find a good tree, to hang the shower container from. It preferably needs to be hung at a height, so you can shower standing up. I always try and find a branch high up, that I can use as a pulley. Using some rope, I pass this over the branch. I tie one end onto the shower container or you can use the hook supplied for extra speed and then I always leave enough slack rope, so the container can be raised and lowered, in order to fill it up. When you’re ready to take a shower, simply pull it up to the required height and tie off the rope, using another branch. If you’re worried about a little shower privacy, then you can always put up a makeshift screen, or alternatively find a tree in a secluded spot. Bear in mind not to be too far from your rods in case you get a run! You may have seen the shower screen I made whilst at Cassien! If you have time, it is a nice little project, but always use deadwood, and don’t go hacking down branches needlessly. An alternative method is to buy a sheet of tarpaulin and tie this up in some fashion. Failing this, just brave it and be quick, unless you’re an exhibitionist of course. Now you have your location, you’re nearly ready to take a shower!

The main problem with solar showers is they need many hours of ‘hot’ sun, to warm the water to a comfortable temperature. If you fill up one of the 20L solar showers, it will take a whole day to warm up that water, although in the summer, the water does not need to be that hot, as you have the warmth from the sun, and a cooler shower is sometimes preferable. In fact I often take a dip in the lake, and wash there, rather than use the solar product. I often see carp anglers stood in freezing cold water, taking a wash, in the depths of winter. That is not for me, so what do you do when there is no sunshine to heat the solar shower and exactly how do you take a welcome hot shower, when it is very cold? The obvious answer is boiling some water. The major problem is it will take about 15 kettles to fill a shower container, adjusting the temperature with some cold water, by which time the original hot water will now be cold! To get round this, I use a very large 10L saucepan that I carry with me. This also doubles up as a great item for boiling large quantities of water for washing clothes or dirty dishes. I also carry a plastic jug and a funnel. This is so you can safely pour the hot water into the small, top opening, of the shower container. I tend to use 10l of hot and 5L of cold water for the right shower temp, and I always avoid filling it to the top. This makes it safer to transport, and easier to lift into position using your pulley branch. Once the container is filled to the required level, and the temperature is a safe one, lift it into position, and that’s it. Enjoy your shower, and don’t forget to wash behind your ears!

Next month I will be looking at great ways of keeping all of your electrical equipment charged.

Above available in International Carper issue 65

Part Two: How to keep electrical items working on long sessions.

When I am fishing a very long session, one of my main priorities is to keep all of my electrical equipment charged and running efficiently. Most of my equipment has built in rechargeable batteries, so it is a simple case of monitoring these from time to time, and recharging them when necessary. There is nothing worse than catching a personal best carp and then finding out your camera battery is completely flat. Fortunately that has never happened, and an organised angler shouldn’t let it happen.

I carry the following items with me to give you an example of exactly what I am dealing with: a 12v boat motor, an echo sounder, a GPS system, a shaver, two cameras, an HD camcorder, a laptop, and a DVD player. Most of these have 12v chargers for their rechargeable batteries, but some require 240v. So how do I cope with all of these demands? How do I keep my laptop running, so I am able to write my blog each day? This is how I do it.

Firstly I have a few ‘big’ leisure batteries rated from 100-135Amps. A battery with more amps is always preferable, and I would always recommend 100Amps or higher. I use these leisure batteries to recharge and run all of my equipment. For recharging small devices I have a cigarette lighter plug socket with two connecting crocodile clips that attach to a leisure battery. This is a very quick and easy method when I need to recharge anything that only requires 12v, my phone for example. For items that require 240v I use an inverter. These can be bought from camping, or car accessory shops. These clever devices convert 12v DC to 240v AC. Once again, you connect this to the leisure battery using large crocodile clips, and then the inverter is ready to use. Just like a domestic plug socket in your home, they have an on/off switch and socket for a 3pin plug, so you can plug in laptops, or any other devices that require 240V. I have bought 110v inverters on the continent, and they work exactly the same; you just use them with an UK adaptor plug. One very important thing to mention is to only buy an inverter that has a very small power output. Mine is 150Watts. This means it will drain very little voltage from your leisure battery when it is in use. Don’t forget, you will only be using it for very small electrical items, and not power sapping household objects like a big television or an electrical kettle. These would require a huge inverter, probably over 1000 watts and these would drain your leisure battery in minutes. Most good inverters have an internal circuit protection alarm that beeps at you when the leisure battery voltage has dropped below 11.5v. It will then shut down to protect your equipment and the battery. I do also own a big 400W inverter in my van, for emergencies, which is permanently connected to the vehicle’s battery. I only use this with the van engine running!

So how many leisure batteries do you need? This all depends on the length of session and how much equipment you need to keep running. Most people could probably survive on two, but I now have four big leisure batteries in total! Two are for my boat; one of these is a spare on standby at all times. My other two are housed in my sleeping bivvy to run all of my electrical appliances. I use these big batteries on rotation. As one goes flat, I then use the other one. Eventually though you will be faced with another potential problem? What happens when all your leisure batteries go flat? That’s right! You now need to charge your leisure batteries! This brings me conveniently onto my next topic, Generators and Solar panels. I have several solar panels I use and I also own a 900W petrol generator. This can be used to charge big batteries and also to run equipment, but I don’t like them as they are noisy and expensive to operate. They really are a last resort, or for a real emergency. Solar panels are the way forward, they are silent and free to use. I look forward to explaining more next month.

 Above available in International Carper issue 66

Part three: Solar Panels and generators.

Last month I covered the topic of using leisure batteries to run your electrical equipment. When these batteries go flat you will need to recharge them and this is how I do it. I own a 900w 4 stroke generator which is excellent at charging batteries. The problem with generators is they are noisy, heavy, and expensive to run. On long sessions I can’t be nipping to the garage to get fuel every few days as I fish on my own, so I needed a better solution. I approached a few solar outlets in the UK and gave them a brief of my needs. I wanted to see what solution they could come up with. Fortunately, Selectsolar replied quickly and kindly offered me a sponsorship deal with them. They were sending me two panels that they thought would be suitable for my electrical needs during my sessions. In addition each panel needs a charge controller, which they also supplied. These monitor the voltage of your battery and prevent the battery discharging through the solar panel; basically they regulate everything. One other thing I recommend you have is a voltmeter, so you can monitor the voltage of your batteries to see when they need topping up.

The first panel Selectsolar sent me is the new 32W Flexi solar panel. It is extremely versatile and it can be positioned anywhere. It is an amorphous panel which means it works well in low light conditions. This panel fits around the curvature of my bivvy and I use it to recharge my leisure batteries within. It will put sufficient charge back into my batteries allowing me to use my laptop (as I am now), and also charge small items like cameras etc… Remember it is your leisure battery that keeps these items running and the solar panel simply charges this battery. In good sunshine I can recharge my leisure battery fully during the day, allowing me to use my laptop for several hours if needed.

The other panel they supplied me with, was the Sunsei 65W hard standing panel. This is a polycrystalline panel and it needs to be in direct sunshine for optimum performance. I use this panel to recharge my boat battery when it is in regular use. In good sunshine this powerful panel will recharge a 110A leisure battery in 8 hours, which is incredible really. I am not using my boat much at the moment at Cassien, as I am casting from the bank; so I use the big panel to keep my spare batteries charged. Another thing I can do with both panels is use them together to charge one battery extremely quickly. The two together will give me nearly 100Watts of power going back into my leisure battery.

Which one is best? They are both excellent. The obvious benefits of the Flexi, is it can be used in low light and it still operates well. It also has a convenient IP68 (moisture resistant) connector block, so you can quickly alternate the panel between your boat battery and an additional bivvy battery for example. If you are serious about long session carping, and you have problems with keeping batteries charged, then either of these or both are a great solution, and they truly have transformed my life on the bank. The sun is free and an extremely powerful source of energy, so why not take advantage of it.

For more information go to www.selectsolar.co.uk or call Fran on 00441793 752032

Next month I am going to show you the safest and best way to stay warm when long session winter carping! I have endured temperatures of minus 15 this winter, and I have been snug, as a bug, in a rug! See you next month.

Above available in International Carper issue 67

Part Four: Keeping warm and dry!

Now this month’s topic will probably raise some discussion as it is something that is often talked about on forums and in magazines because of the safety element and the dangers associated with them. I am talking about bivvy heaters of course! I did not consider using a heater during my trip, because let’s face it, sleeping bags these days are so warm, even in sub-zero temperatures. My problem though is I have two dogs with me, and I was getting more concerned for them rather than myself! My other major concern was the damp. Obviously if you are just fishing for a weekend this is not a problem, but on extreme sessions the damp is like a cancer and once it gets inside your home, it is very difficult to get rid of. I kept noticing it each morning on all of my equipment. Everything was cold to the touch, slightly damp, and condensation was all over my camera, my laptop and any other susceptible equipment I carry. I knew that a bivvy heater was going to have to be sourced from somewhere? I looked at a few options and my first thought was to buy a LPG bottle which you can refill yourself at petrol stations. I could then fit a heater element direct to the bottle. However, this method has obvious risks. If the heater element blows out, then you still have gas filtering through it and you could end up dying from carbon monoxide poisoning. The other danger with most heaters like this is the open flame itself. I needed something much safer, and through some of my German contacts, I think I have found the safest and best bivvy heater in the world! Read on…

The heater is a German design and costs between 130 and 150 Euros depending on whether you go for the bivvy green version or the posh stainless one. The heater itself uses a tiny gas cooker element with a small pilot light. The great thing about this heater though is the flame itself is contained within the structure of the heater and the material itself does not get hot. What you essentially get is hot air coming out of the cleverly angled top. The heater has a regulator to set the desired temperature and also a thermostat which is the best thing about this product. Once the desired temperature is reached the main flame goes out, but the small pilot light still burns away. Once the thermostat detects the temperature has fallen below the regulator setting, the main flame then kicks back in, to bring the space temperature back up. Not only does this save gas, it also means the heater just comes on every so often. The heater also has an oxygen sensor which monitors the O2 levels in your confined space, so you can sleep safe at night. I really do think this is the safest way to stay warm and dry whilst fishing in the coldest months on long sessions. A 13kg bottle of gas lasts me 3 to 4 weeks, and I actually leave the pilot light burning the whole time, just to take any damp out of the air during the day. I will only use mine from October through till March which means I can stay warm for 6 months for about 350 Euros including the heater itself, and when you consider that some people pay over £500 for a fishing reel these days, I know which of these I would prefer. The warm option!

The other benefit of this heater is it doubles up as a toaster! The chrome grill on the top fits three slices of bread and you get perfect toast from it, great for breakfast with some butter and Bon Mama Jam!! As you can see from my pictures: I used mine to grill the Bellini’s (small pancakes) for the Christmas feast we had at American Beach. And Charley absolutely loves her new luxury addition to her home.

I only know of one shop that sells these and they will happily post them to the UK. If you are interested in one then contact Bernard at X-treme Baits on 004962328772943 or email: info@xtremebait.de

That’s it for this month and in next month’s feature I will be showing you how I keep the in contact with the Carpworld team and others, whilst I fish in some very remote spots. Next month is a communication special!!

Above available in International Carper issue 68

Part  Five: Communication.

This month I am looking at communication and alternative methods to the mobile telephone. I found that my mobile telephone was costing me too much money each month. Without a fixed address it is very difficult to obtain a contract telephone abroad and top-up credit is more expensive and typically always runs out during a call. As my journey has developed my need for communication has grown tenfold. I now need to get my monthly series delivered on time. I have sponsors to talk with and orders to place to keep my supplies stocked. I also found the desire to communicate with family and friends grew as my trip continued, after all…it’s good to talk!!

Since the start of 2009 I have found the best solution for all of my needs. I still have a mobile phone, but this is just for people to call me. The birth of the blog was my communication saviour as a mobile internet connection had to be sourced. I was rather wary of how well these little devices would actually work; after all they are just a small USB device known as a dongle, which plugs into your laptop. It is basically an aerial which picks up the internet connection similar to how a mobile phone scans for your network provider. I obtained mine in January this year and it uses 3G technology. 3G networks are wide-area cellular telephone networks which provide high-speed Internet access. You can only purchase these with a contact, a year being the minimum duration allowed, and although I have no address in France, where there’s a will there is a way! I opted for the Bouygues Telecom network which cost 35 Euros a month and best of all it gives me unlimited download every month.

So how well does it work and how has it helped? To begin with I have to admit the connection speed was rather frustrating. However after trial and error I found that just like a mobile phone, you have good spots and bad spots. But, by moving a few feet in one direction you can suddenly have full connection speed. This is ideal for checking emails, using Facebook, surfing the web, and other general use of the Internet. It meant the blog could finally be written and I could keep in touch with everyone from even the most remote locations. I have to say I was very impressed, and it felt like my life had changed for the better. However, things were about to get even better.

I was not aware of this at the time but Ericcson had signed a deal with Bouygues Telecom to install mobile broadband across France. There are two types; HSPA and WCDMA which are replacing 3G and these give you the equivalent internet speed that you get at home from your broadband; very quick! This is already being installed across the UK and slowly it is spreading throughout Europe. This in turn meant my life on the bank was completely transformed. Not only could I write the blog faster and use the internet more efficiently, I also discovered a new line of communication with my laptop; Skype.

I had used Skype before in the past in the UK. This clever software that you download enables you to use your laptop as a telephone. You can either Skype other Skype users or call people on landlines or mobiles and the rates are far better than any mobile network. All you need is a good headset, to cut out background noise and you’re talking. You can also text with Skype. Here is the best bit however. For only 4 Euros a month you get 10,000 minutes to landlines in 22 European countries which is unbelievably good value. It may even be something you want to consider at home to save a few pennies in these hard financial times. To get the best from Skype you do need a very good internet connection but with the new wave of technology that is now not a problem for me. I have spoken with Martin Ford and the Carpworld team many times using Skype, and they think I am in the room next door; it is that clear!

All of this in turn means I can now communicate anywhere I fish for peanuts. If you are thinking about a long trip and you are worried about mobile costs then this is definitely something I would advise considering. Technology is transforming the way we live and you would be foolish not look at the most economical way to keep in touch when on the bank side either in Europe or the UK.

Next month I am taking a close look at my essential miscellaneous survival items I use to keep me out of trouble.

Above available in International Carper issue 69

Part 6: Essential Equipment you should always carry!

It seems that my survival feature has gone down well with several of my readers. I have had some great feedback and comments on my blog and also through Facebook. In the series I have just highlighted the really important areas to get you started and hopefully make your life more comfortable on the bank whilst enduring long sessions. I am always happy to answer any questions you have so keep them coming! This is the final part of my short miniseries, but don’t worry, it will be back at a later date when I have some other new and interesting ideas and equipment I want to show you all.

Baden Powell taught his scouts to be prepared. Preparation is the key to success and when organising your equipment for a long session, it is important not to overlook any eventuality that might occur along the way. In this final part I am taking a look at some important kit that I consider to be vital.

Water.

How much water you take with you depends on the length of your session? I carry on average 40-50 litres. I have two 20 litre Gerry cans and two 5 litre containers. I use the smaller ones to fill the kettle etc and then fill these up with the larger Gerry cans when required. I also have water purification tablets just in case I ever run out and have to use lake water. That has never happened yet! Luckily my dogs are not fussy drinkers and fortunately wherever we fish there is always a large drinking bowl right in front of us; the lake!

Biting insects.

Everyone loves the warm weather including bugs! I find between the months of May to October are the biting season and I am armed with a vast array of products. Nets, creams, sprays and wipes. I also have lotions to use once you have been bitten, to sooth the itching and reduce swelling. In the summer I always have a net on my bivvy door, which not only protects me, but the dogs too. I find citronella candles are good to burn in the evening to deter mossies.

My favourite piece of kit is my electric zapper. This racquet shaped device is battery operated and zaps flies, mosquitoes and any other insects that bother you. It is also great fun to use!

A small tool kit.

In my van I have a large box with every conceivable tool I may need in an emergency. However when I am actually fishing I just carry a small selection in a handy carry bag. These include a wrench, some grips, a screwdriver set, cable ties, a Stanley knife, some nips and a gas soldering iron. I also have a small device which cyclists use. This compact multi-tool will cover you for most simple maintenance situations.

My three heroes!

My bow saw, an axe and a shovel. With these three items you can clear a swim providing it is allowed and done sensibly. You can easily remove any unwanted obstructions, and if need be literally dig yourself out of a hole. When small fires are allowed the axe and saw make very light work of deadwood.

Vehicle extras.

You may be the best angler and have the best fishing equipment in the world, but this is no use to anyone if you can’t get to the lake. Your vehicle is part of your equipment and should not be overlooked. I carry two types of jump leads, a separate and charged power pack, a tow rope, a warning triangle, a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit and a reflective blanket.

Remember it may not be you in an accident, you may have to stop and help a damsel in distress and having the right equipment could help save a life, if not your own. It is also an offence not to carry much of this equipment abroad. If in doubt look on the DVLA website for advice on travelling abroad.

Personal First Aid Bag.

I have already mentioned I carry a first aid kit in my vehicle. This is no use if you are two miles away on an Island! I carry a bag with essential remedies, pills, creams, and other products I might need to use at any moment. Some items are preventive medicines and cures and some other items are to prevent unwanted accidents!!!

Quality clothing.

You should be the priority when it comes to staying warm and dry. I also have two dogs to worry about, but they are always catered for. If you are going fishing in the summer do not assume it will be hot for two weeks. Always take wet weather gear and be prepared for the worst! I now have a full wardrobe of Diem apparel and it is proving excellent. The jackets are absolutely superb. Diem make specialist angling apparel for all weathers and situations and their range is constantly evolving. . Check out www.diem-angling.com

That’s it for the first survival series. Take care on the bank, enjoy yourself and most essentially, live to tell the tale!

Above available in International Carper issue 70

I am about to start writing another six part series and this will be added to ‘No Fixed Abode’ from 2010. If you want a hard copy of any of my series you can subscribe to International Carper or just can simply order back issues. I have noted the magazine issue number relevant to each part.